AJ Production Company is leading the way of a whole new approach. “When I first started, it was just me and there wasn’t a market for what I wanted to do,” says Jungeman. “After a year or so, people started to realize what was possible and started to connect with the stories I was capturing. Now we have more shooters and we are reaching so many more people than I had thought possible.” In fact his staff of three has been busy shooting weddings across the country. It was just recent that AJ Production Company moved into The Bridges building off Western Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jungmean states that his favorite part about capturing weddings are the stories that are so much bigger than the “I do’s”. “There is so much more to a couple and their love than just vows. Finding those smaller facets that are actually huge pieces of our subjects and unveiling that is one of the most rewarding aspects of a wedding.”

You can reach AJ Production Company on their website at www.ajproductionco.com

Or by phone at: 605.354.0364 or e-mail at: info@ajproductionco.com

What sets Chef Dominique’s apart is their certified chefs, professionally trained event coordinators and wait staff. All of their food is made from scratch, including their gourmet sauces, salads, appetizers and desserts. They only use the finest ingredients to create original, diverse menu choices that are a direct reflection of their client. Their attention to detail is phenomenal and creates an amazing food presentation. Along with catering, their banquet facility is perfect for a downtown Sioux Falls wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, reception and dance. A word of advice, ” Enjoy every minute of your wedding and don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything will come together in the end. Book the caterer you have the biggest connection with and the one who shows the most passion and excitement about your special day.”

You can reach Chef Dom’s on their website at: www.chefdomscatering.com
by phone at: 605.336.0455 or e-mail at: jessica@chefdomscatering.com

When planning your South Dakota Wedding, consider talking to Chef April of CJ Callaway’s in Sioux Falls. If you’re trying to decide what sweet touches you want to add to your wedding day, she is the perfect resource. She works bodly, pushing the creative edge to create the perfect dessert or cake for your event.

Her specialty is specialty cakes! She is still great with classic cakes, but her face lights up when someone brings in a unique cake idea. Tiffany Jewelry Boxes for a bridal shower cake, a real guitar they want made into a cake or a 6-tier topsy-turvy cake with peacock feathers spilling out are some of the fun cakes she has created.

For the last nine years Chef April has been creating desserts and cakes for CJ Callaway’s. She said things have changed a lot in the last nine years. The TV and Internet have exploded the cake industry. This not only adds pressure to cake designer’s skill level (constant education) but it also means they need to be able to compete with the likes of “Ace of Cakes” or “The Cake Boss.”

One of the things she loves most about her job is that each cake is unique and special. She says cakes are a neat way to be a part of special occasions because everybody takes pictures of the cake. Whether it’s the bride and groom cutting the cake or parents taking pictures of their children blowing out candles.

When it comes to weddings, some brides come in with a very clear vision (pictures, sketches, etc.), some come in with an idea but are looking for input and others come in and have no inclination as to what they want to do. She believes that those with no direction usually turn into her favorite. Free creative reign! She likes how fun it is to be given a few likes and dislikes and then an open door to create something special.

Chef April reminds couples that it’s okay if the cake is a big deal! Do research; spend a little time browsing either in a wedding magazine, a wedding cake book or online. This will at least give you a quick list of what you like and what you dislike. When deciding on the details of your cake, pick the flavors YOU LIKE! The ceremony is about uniting two people; the reception is about showing your guests who you are as a couple. If you love chocolate, serve all chocolate! If you love peanut butter or mint or raspberries, pick the flavor you like! It is your big day after all! The cake will be wonderful no matter what flavor you select!

Above all, be brave! All brides are on a budget, but you can easily turn your cake into the WOW factor without spending a fortune.

If you have any questions about sweet touches you want to add to your special day, give her a call to discuss options. If it’s something unique, she’ll probably say yes! She loves attempting new and unique cakes.

Chef April Austin, CJ Callaway’s
605.334.8888 ext. 5

CAKES@cjcallaways.com

All images by Studio Blu

Envision’s favorite part of their job is establishing a relationship with their clients throughout the planning process, along with helping them create, organize and set-up their event details. “It is the most gratifying feeling knowing we assisted in making their memorable day go off without a hitch and to their exact vision.”

One of Envision’s most memorable clients was Nicole who had come in four months before her wedding after firing her previous wedding planner. “She needed our assistance to pull off the details of her big day. We tackled this one with style. They were on no set budget, but knew what they liked and didn’t. We completed her invitations, accessories, ceremony/reception design, day-of planning, set-up and tear-down with ease. The wedding was beautiful, weather perfect and the entire event went perfect.”

Another memorable moment, “We had a bride who wanted an enchanted forest feel surrounding her head table. I volunteered my brother to cut down some prime branches in my parents’ grove. Hauled them hanging out of the back of my SUV to back to the studio. After a couple late nights in the studio parking lot and 15 cans of spray paint – they were ready for their debut. The day of the wedding we spent most of the afternoon positioning these, gluing white floral strands to branches and stranding pearls to create the perfect look. The guests loved them and they were the talk of the night. I have vowed since to never attempt this task again… we’ll see!”

Envision Wedding Studios tip for the happy couple, “Enjoy the day. The hours go by so fast and in the blink of an eye, the most memorable day of your life is over. Hire a professional to help make this day enjoyable and memorable. It is well worth the investment.”

Here are some design images of Leah’s

And here are some paper product designs of Leah’s

Maurer Photography has been doing Professional Video and Photography for about 15 years. This husband and wife team moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota from NW Iowa in July of 2006.

The Maurer’s specialize in Wedding Imagery… in particular, capturing the romance between the Bride and Groom. They make sure to set aside time alone with the Bride and Groom to create some intimate, personal images that portray their love for each other. Because they are a husband and wife team, “We know what the Bride and Groom are feeling, and how best to capture those emotions. We help them relax and actually enjoy their time with us.”

So, why did they choose this profession? Marilyn is a people person, a great business manager, and a hopeless romantic who loves weddings. Lem is a technically savvy, yet creative individual, who has always loved making movies and documenting events.

He is also hopeless. This profession chose us. After videotaping several weddings with another photographer, the photographer approached Lem & Marilyn with a proposition. She said she was selling her business and she wanted Lem & Marilyn to buy it… “You’d be perfect,” was her actual comment. We weighed the pros and cons, investigated the opportunities and necessary education and commitments, and went for it!

Being named, “South Dakota Photographer of the Year” for 2008 and 2009 by the SD Professional Photographers of America, shows that they serious about their imagery. Maurer Photography’s wedding images have been used in many publications, and can be seen around the country with the Professional Photographers of America’s traveling Loan Print exhibit. Another distinguishing factor that separates them from the competition is their technical and artistic video capabilities. “When we videotape a wedding, the end product is a beautifully romantic, highly entertaining, cinematic production that the couple will cherish forever.”

A South Dakota Wedding that really stands out for them was the wedding of Ana & Nick Landeen. Not only was it on a Sunday, but it was a very rainy morning, and they were to get married at Tuthill Park in Sioux Falls. Mostly limited to the home where Ana got ready, we had to be extra creative with the romantic images of the Bride and Groom. Thankfully, the rain stopped in time for the outdoor ceremony and reception. Here’s a link to their slide show: http://vimeo.com/5539233

A tip from the Maurers, “You’ve worked hard making all the plans and taking care of all the details. Now enjoy the day! Know that everything might not happen exactly as you’ve planned or anticipated… that’s okay. It’s your wedding day, and it’s going to go really quickly. By all means, budget for the best photography and videography you can afford… besides your dress (and a husband), it’s all you’ll have left after the wedding. Done correctly, you’ll have an heirloom of details and memories to share with future generations, and an instant reminder of your commitment and love. One more thing: Don’t forget your parents on the wedding day… they love you more than you know, and will always be there for you.”

BPM DJ Productions began in 1996 in Missouri. In 2003, Jake Hill moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has been providing seamless mixing of music (from all eras and genres) for weddings, school dances and corporate events in this area since. Jake got the DJ itch when he saw the movie “Juice” when he was younger and knew that he had to get some turntables and learn how to DJ.

What separates BPM DJ Productions from the competition is skill and experience. One of Jakes favorite quotes is an old hindu proverb, “the goal is not to be better than the other man, but to be better than one’s previous self.” With that said, Jake strives to improve his services with each and every event he participates in.

Since Jake began, the technology used in DJ-ing has changed significantly. Jake says, “its been both a blessing and a curse.” for example, “its much easier for new DJ’s to get started than it use to be, its also easy for them to use technology to cheat their way through their gigs, but there is no substitute for real skill acquired over the years with hard work and perseverance.”

“One of my favorite weddings was in Le Mars, IA.  I was treated very well from the moment I arrived, and the Bride and Groom were very appreciative of my skill.  I learned that the Groom’s brother had passed away before the wedding, and one of the Groom’s friends had to fill-in as the Best Man.  The Best Man gave a very emotional speech, which I recorded.  Then, later on in the dance portion of the evening, I re-played portions of the speech and then immediately dropped in “I’ll Be Missing You”  by P Diddy and Faith Evans.  Everyone sang along with tears in their eyes.  It was very emotional for everyone, myself included.” Jake loves to bring everyone together through music selection, mic work and technical DJ skill. He sets the tone for the evening and though its sometimes a challenge to keep everyone in the crowd happy, he does his best to “read the crowd.”

BPM DJ Productions would like to leave you with this tip:

“When shopping for vendors, do your research and ask around for recommendations.  It’s fairly easy for a vendor to create a nice looking website, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are any good.  When it comes to picking a DJ, pick one that fits the style of YOUR reception.  Not all DJs are the same.”

Great tip Jake, we agree!

For more images of Jake’s lighting check out our black and gold Sioux Falls Wedding Creation at the Washington Pavilion.

The MoVM has been hosting weddings for 2 and a half years and has been in business for 3. It is a non-profit and enjoys providing a community facility and place to visit for tourists. They donate very extensively to several organizations, usually anonymously.

The museum is one of the greenest buildings in South Dakota, with a LEED certification. In order to comply and create a green event, policies are in place from items like dish-ware and recyclables. Everywhere you look in the MoVM you will see many interesting materials including cabinets made of cork and the floors remodeled with bamboo.

One thing that is really great about the museum is that you can bring in your own caterer and baker as long as they stay within the green guidelines that are set in place. This really makes for a versatile location.

Jeremy Brech, the Director of the MoVM says, “there is so much more to my job than just weddings, but this is probably the most enjoyable part of working here. We get to turn someone’s dream into reality. When we get couples that walk into our facility and their face glows or they start tearing up, thats when you know you have the perfect place for them.

A tip for the happy couple; “make sure you find the quality that you are looking for in a vendor and base your decision on your gut instinct. The wedding industry is a “you get what you pay for” industry. The more you invest in your wedding the more piece of mind you will have. Have fun and remember to enjoy your wedding and soak it in. sit back, relax and look around. its your day!”

Buffet by Chef Dominique’s Catering Images by AC Ellis Inc.

Since she has been in business she has noticed a huge change in the hair and makeup industry. Most significant to her is the advancements in the technology of the tools and the makeup and hair product developments.

With all these new advancements, its so important to stay on top of all the new techniques. According to Angelique, that is what sets her apart from the pack; its continuous technical training along with her unique customer service and going above and beyond customer expectations. Because she had the opportunity to do apprentice training and travel around the country and Canada she is able to create a wide range of looks. Angelique is always studying in all subjects of hair and makeup design, she has dabbled in runway, commercial photography, TV, Pageant, Celebrity and of coarse a variety of weddings.

Angeliques favorite part of working a wedding is, “seeing two people share their love for each other. It makes me remember why I married my husband. I have to say that I also really do enjoy seeing the creativeness come together for flowers, cake designs, reception décor, dress styles, ect,” says Angelique.

One of her favorite weddings is when she created the Adams Family with the Bride as Morticia and the Groom as Gomez, for the Bride she did a long dark wig, false lashes, full makeup with red lips, for the Groom, she did a dark wig, a special effects mustache along with full makeup. The best man and made of honor also got in on the fun as Uncle Fester and Wednesday! The rest of the wedding party did their own costumes along with all the guests in Halloween attire. “All day was a party and they were awesome! It was certainly a favorite and I will never forget the fun couple I got the pleasure to work with.”

Some important tips for you wedding planners from Angelique:
#1 Enjoy yourself! Remember it is about the two of you and no one else. it is your day to shine so take every advantage of that, pamper yourself.

#2 Great hair and makeup is a BIG deal. Investing in quality experienced professional vendors is worth every penny.

#3 Don’t always follow trends, inject your own flavor and personal style to really make it memorable.

#4 Ask questions to your vendors, no question is too small or insignificant. Open communication between you and your vendors is key.

#5 Be assertive but be gracious and polite.

#6 Appoint someone to be in charge of taking care of the details for you on your wedding day. Should something go wrong..take care of it the best you can but no worries, most people will never even notice… and Many happy blessings and wishes to you both for years to come!

Images by: AC Ellis Inc., Dan Elliott Photography, Maurer Photography